Sat-Sun, February 3-4, 2024

Skijor Loppet

10K, 5K, and 3K options for people and dogs of all abilities
Presented by Chuck & Don's

The Loppet Foundation :: Events :: Skijor Loppet
City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival

Part of the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival

View Festival Information »

content_section title=”Updates”]

  • 2024 Participant Guide
  • NEW-1/31/24: Participant Email/Guide will be coming later this evening (Wed)
  • For your reference: SKIJOR PARTICIPANT GUIDE AND START WAVES from 2023
  • We are using RunnerTag for photos! You can look up your race number to see if we caught any pictures of you. We can’t make promises but we do try to get everyone!

Saturday, February 3: 8:30am (10K), 8:45am (5K), 9:15am (3K)

Ski with your best friend… your dog! 10 kilometer, 5 kilometer, and 3 kilometer courses on the premiere Loppet ski trails (which skijors are not normally allowed on) makes the Loppet’s Skijoring One-dog Loppet a participant and fan favorite event. You will see all sizes and shapes of doggos out for adventure with their human pals.

Sunday, February 4: 8:30am (10K)

The Loppet’s Skijor 10K Two Dog Loppet is a two dogs event on the second day of the National Skijoring Championship and IFSS World Cup Race. The 2023 point-to-point race will begin on the Chain of Lakes and finish at The Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park, following the premiere Loppet ski trails (some of which skijors are not normally allowed on). You may participate with one or two dogs.

Check This Out

  • Skijoring Loppet Featured on CNN
  • The Loppet Foundation appreciates our partnership with K9 Powered Sports for their assistance and guidance in our skijor events and activities. To see what they are about and for more information about skijoring visit www.K9powered.org
Hugo and his owner Steve have been competing for 5+ years in the 3K Skijor Loppet

Saturday: All Saturday races (10K 1-dog, 5K and 3K) start and finish at The Trailhead, Theodore Wirth Park, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis MN 55422

Sunday: The Sunday 10K Two-Dog starts at Cedar Lake, 2501 Cedar Lake Pkwy, Minneapolis MN 55416. And finishes at The Trailhead, Theodore Wirth Park, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis MN 55422

Start Times and Lists: Skijoring teams will be pre-assigned start waves and be released in time trial waves. Specific start wave assignments will be emailed and posted the week of the event.

Parking and Transportation: Please see notes below. Instructions and information for managing dogs are different depending on which day(s) you are racing.

ifss-logo

Experienced skijoring teams can compete in one or both days of the Combined National Championship. Those teams that compete in both Saturday’s One-Dog Skijor Loppet 10K and Sunday’s 10K Two-Dog Skijor Loppet will automatically be entered into the Combined National Championship results. In addition, both 10K events are individual National Championship events and are accredited IFSS World Cup Races. Both days will feature some of the best skijoring teams in North America. Teams

Note: Registration will be open until Thur at midnight. No race day registration.

Register Now!
StatusStarting 9AM, 10/1Starting 11/19/23Starting 12/17/23Starting 1/18/24Starting 1/31/24Registration Deadline
Skijor 10K Loppet (One Dog 2/4/23)Open$32$37$42$50$5512pm noon, 1/31/24
Skijor Loppet (5K/3K)Open$27$32$37$45$5012pm noon, 1/31/24
Skijor 10K Loppet (Two Dogs 2/5/23)Open$37$42$47$55$6012pm noon, 1/31/24

Proceeds from the Skijor Loppet benefit the Loppet Foundation. Learn more about the Foundation's mission, vision, and values.

Registration and transaction fees are non-refundable, including in the event of delay, rescheduling, or cancellation of an event or program. An event or program registration is not transferable to another person or another event for any reason, including injury. Participating under another person's name will result in disqualification.

A Note About the Data We Collect

Packet Pickup

Packets (bibs and other goodies) will be available for pickup at the following times and locations:

  • Thursday, February 1: The Trailhead (1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy), 4pm-8pm
    • Pick up your packet on Thursday and get a tootsie roll!
  • Friday, February 2: Utepils Brewing (225 Thomas Ave N, Minneapolis, MN), 4pm-8pm
    • Pick up your packet on Friday and get a tootsie roll! You may also use your free beer ticket if you wish.
  • Saturday, February 3: The Trailhead, 7am-3pm (note that this is not recommended for point to point races unless you are already there for Saturday Trailhead races. Parking will be limited.)
  • Sunday, February 4: Chain of Lakes, 7am-12pm (for Sunday point to point races only)

Course Description

Saturday: All races are on the snowmaking trails at the Trailhead where dogs are usually not allowed.

Sunday: The point to point 10K is all on our natural snow trails, the same course that our ski, bike and snowshoe racers will be following.

Course Markings

The courses are marked with colored arrows on sandwich boards located at trail junctions. Course marshals may also be present at critical junctions to guide and cheer you on. Know the color of arrow you should be following for your race (it is generally our goal to match your bib color with your arrow color – this also helps course marshals know which course you are doing). We will aim to match your bib color to your arrows!

Saturday Skijor Course Map

For your reference: 2024 Sat Trailhead Races Google Map.

Sunday Point-to-Point Map

For your reference: 2024 Point to Point Google Map.

Race Rules and Dog Notes

  • Please view the Skijor Race Rules PDF (from 2022-still apply). Participants are responsible for reading, understanding and complying with published race rules prior to the event.
  • Safety is our top concern and many of the rules are in place to protect participants, spectators AND your dogs.
  • Pulks, sleds, or other carriers are NOT permitted. Sit Skiers ARE permitted.
  • It is greatly appreciated if you can take the time to walk your dogs in the morning before coming to the race venue. After all, just like their people, it probably feels way better to take care of this business before the race!
  • And, yes, we do hope that most racers can pick up after their dogs and at least leave the bag on the side of the trail if you don’t have a means to pack it out.
  • You may bring your dog inside to get your packet. Outside of packet pickup (pre or post race), doggos will be allowed into the front part of the Trailhead (near the ticket office) for warming up. Please do not hang out in the Great Hall or near Mill Valley Market in deference to food safety rules.

Seeding

  • Teams will be seeded based on prior Skijoring Loppet results as well as registration self-seeding information.
  • Requests for seeding by Skijorers with no prior race history must be sent to info@k9powered.org by January 22, to be considered for this event. Request must include links to publicly available skijoring race results.
  • 10k Skijoring teams will be seeded based on recent K9 Powered Sports Midwest Race Series Race results. Registration is required by end of online registration on January 25 to be included in the seeding for this event.

Handlers

  • One handler will be allowed per team.
  • All dog handlers must stand on the left side of the team they are assisting and must remain in place until all teams have passed. Do not attempt to move out of the way.

Thursday

  • 4pm-8pm: The Trailhead
    • Pick up your packet on Thursday and get a tootsie roll!

Friday

  • 4pm-8pm: Packet Pickup at Utepils Brewing
    • Pick up your packet on Friday and get a tootsie roll! Option to redeem your free beer at Utepils taproom.

Saturday (Trailhead)

  • 7:00am – 3:00pm: Packet Pickup, The Trailhead (if you are only doing the Sunday point to point race, this time is not recommended as it will be busy and parking will be very limited).
  • 8:30am: Skijor 10K One Dog Begins
  • 8:45am: Skijor 5K (One or Two Dogs) Begins
  • 9:15am: Skijor 3K (One Dog) Begins
  • 8:00am – 2:30pm: Finish area bag claim
  • 10:00am – 2:00pm: Utepils Beer Garden and Festival Village
  • 10:00am – 3:00pm: Changing Area in Trailhead locker rooms (showers not available)
  • 10:30am – 4:00pm: The Trailhead Food Station

Sunday (Start, Finish Trailhead)

  • 7:00am-12:00pm: Cedar Lake start, Packet Pick up (for Sunday point to point races only)
  • 8:30am: Skijor 10K Two Dogs Begins (one dog is allowed)
  • 8:00am – 12:00pm: Cedar Lake Bag Drop (including Start Line Corral option)
  • 9:30am – 3:00pm: Finish Area Bag Claim
  • 10:00am – 3:00pm: Changing Area in Trailhead locker rooms (showers not available)
  • 10:00am – 2:00pm: Utepils Beer Garden and Festival Village
  • 10:30am – 3:00pm: The Trailhead Food Station

We understand that your furry friends require an extra effort when you are managing them as well your ski gear. Here are some notes to help make it easier for everyone on race day:

Special Parking and Race Options

  • Note: Dogs are not allowed on the shuttle buses. But skijorers have some of the best parking options of any Festival participants. Check it out.
  • Special Parking on Saturday!
    • We will do our best to provide the closest parking possible to our skijor teams. Watch your email for permits to park in areas not available to other Festival participants.
      • Saturday: Trailhead South Parking Lot or the Chalet Lot
      • Sunday: With the change in our start location, there is no longer a good option for parking. We suggest a dropoff with a friend.
    • Note that access to the Trailhead will be closed at Hwy 55. You will need to approach the both the Chalet and Trailhead via Plymouth Ave from the east or Golden Valley Rd from the north.
    • Watch your email. Permits will be emailed on the Thursday or Friday prior to Festival weekend.
    • Please be respectful of your parking privileges and do not duplicate or share your parking permit with others. Your pass is intended for one vehicle only.
    • You will need to print out your permit to show to the parking attendants- please have it ready on your dash before you get to the checkpoint. Do not plan to show it on your phone. It is too slow and hard to view for our parking volunteers who often have a line of cars to manage.
    • Please note that spectators coming to Theodore Wirth Park should plan to park at the Mortenson Lots (700 Meadow Lane and 4100 Olson Memorial Highway, Golden Valley). 
  • Other Race Day Transportation Options
    • Most common is to bring a friend who drops you off and picks you up. This person can double as your handler!
    • If your friend can’t stick around all day, have them meet you at the Chalet or Trailhead where you can park your car and get a ride to the start (with your dogs). After the race, your car is already at the finish.

Dropoff/Pickup

  • At the Trailhead: Chalet Lot Drop Off Zone. Shows the location in the Chalet Lot where dropoffs and pickups at the Trailhead will be allowed (if you are not using the special skijor parking permits).
    • Dropoff/Pickup is not available at the Trailhead.
    • Please note that access to the Trailhead/Chalet area will be closed at Hwy 55. You will need to approach the Chalet via Plymouth Ave from the east or Golden Valley Rd from the north.

Road Closures

  • Make note of these for getting around race morning. Be sure to let your spectator fans know as well.
    • Glenwood Ave from Xerxes to Theodore Wirth Pkwy: Saturday (7am-1pm), Sunday (7am-2pm)
    • Theodore Wirth Pkwy from N Wayzata Blvd to Glenwood: Saturday (7am-1pm), Sunday (7am-2pm)
    • Theodore Wirth Pkwy from Hwy 55 to Plymouth Ave: Saturday (8am-2:30), Sunday (8am-12pm)

For your convenience, you will have the option of bringing a bag to have near the finish with personal items, e.g. warm and dry clothes, food, etc. We realize that few skijorers need to use this as they usually have their vehicle close due to the special parking, but it is available if you should like to use it.

  • Provide your own bag. It should be a fully-enclosed or duffel-type bag.
  • All bags should be marked with your race number. You may do this yourself or use the bag tags we will have available at packet pickup.
  • We do not recommend that you leave valuable items such as wallets or keys. The Loppet Foundation will not be responsible for these items.
  • Bag Claim is located near the finish area at the Trailhead.

Saturday Bags (Trailhead start and finish)

  • You may drop a bag at the bag claim area before your event.

2024 Festival Village map coming soon!

Utepils Beer! All participants (that are of age) get one free beer (or alternative soda) at the finish at the Trailhead! Please have ID available. Additional beer may be purchased on site by participants or spectators.

Chili! For years, the Loppet has served Captain Ken’s Chili at the finish line. It is our goal to do that again in 2024. Just what a tired skier needs to start the recovery process!

Sponsors! Our sponsors help make everything happen and better! Please visit and thank them for their support. We are sure you will have some fun with them, too!

Indoor Changing Area: Trailhead locker rooms. Showers not available. We recommend including walking shoes in your bag if you are meeting a pickup at the Chalet or Mortenson.

Race Bibs: In an effort to reduce the waste generated by thousands of bibs, the Loppet will collect all bibs at the finish. We wash and reuse the bibs from year to year. Please return your bib after the race. Thank you for helping us reduce waste and move toward greener events!

Award Ceremonies

Awards ceremonies will take place at the finish area podium as soon as results are posted. Must be present to receive cash award packet.

Saturday Awards

  • 10k Race – 1 dog National Championship
    • Commemorative medals for all finishers.
    • Awards for first three overall male, female and non-binary category finishers.
      • 1st Place: $150 Cash Prize, Award Medal, One Dog National Champion
      • 2nd Place: $100 Cash Prize, Award Medal
      • 3rd Place: $50 Cash Prize,  Award Medal
  • 5k Race
    • Commemorative medals for all finishers.
    • Awards for first three overall male, female, and non-binary category finishers.
      • 1st Place: Award Medal
      • 2nd Place: Award Medal
      • 3rd Place: Award Medal
  • 3k Race
    • Commemorative medals for all finishers.
    • Awards for first three overall finishers.
      • 1st Place: Award Medal
      • 2nd Place: Award Medal
      • 3rd Place: Award Medal

Sunday Awards

  • Skijor 10K Two-Dog
    • Commemorative medals for all finishers.
    • Awards for first three male, female, and non-binary finishers.
      • 1st Place: $150 Cash Prize, Award Medal, Two Dog National Champion
      • 2nd Place: $100 Cash Prize, Award Medal
      • 3rd Place: $50 Cash Prize, Award Medal

Double Loppet Award

Challenge yourself, and double your fun by participating in two winter festivals! Skijor in any of the City of Lakes Loppet skijor events and skijor in the Vasaloppet More Skijor, and earn your Double Loppet Award. Since the Vasa is first on the calendar this year, Double Loppet skijorers pick up their Double Loppet award at the City of Lakes Loppet. Get your medal at a table near the finish line.